Third Grader Donates Hair to Charity

One particularly hot day, Ford made the decision, with his mother's approval, to finally cut his hair - but only if he could do it for a worthwhile reason. With information provided by the school secretary, Teresa Marlett, Ford decided to donate his hair to Wigs for Kids.

Wigs for Kids is a non-profit organization founded 25 years ago by hairdresser Jeffrey Paul. Having worked with dignitaries and models around the world, Paul's focus changed with a plea from his 15-year-old niece who was being treated for cancer.

Chemotherapy had caused the young gymnast's hair to begin to fall out and she begged Paul find a way to help her. After some research, Paul developed a wig that would adhere to the scalp, meeting the active demands of a child.

"There were a lot of kids in need," Paul noted on the organization's website. "The business was getting bigger than we could handle out of our pockets." After establishing the organization as a non-profit, people from all walks of life donate their hair to help the cause.

On Tuesday September 29^th, the third-grader arrived at A Cut Above hair salon on N. Detroit St. with a complete entourage. In addition to his mother Ashley and baby sister Danielle, he was accompanied by three teachers from Summit Academy including Mrs. Singleton, Mrs. Beasley, Ms. Luttman and of course, Mrs. Marlett.

The captivated audience watched in amazement as salon stylist Nicki situated Ford in a chair and proceeded to clip off 16 ½ inches of hair. The young man's severed pony tail will be sent to Wigs for Kids and made into prosthetic hair pieces for children who have lost their hair due to cancer treatment or other illness. For more information on Wigs for Kids, go online to www.wigsforkids.org.